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Syphilis testing can be a complicated affair. Make sure that they perform an STS panel (Specific Treponemal Serology) not just an RPR or (Rapid Plasma Reagin) or VDRL (Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory) test.

The full STS test should include an assay that is specific for the organism that causes syphilis. This is usually called a TPHA (Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay).

To hell with the liver enzymes....my mantra is be happy and enjoy life. The AST/ALT will just have to fall in line.

Cheers,John

PS Can't imagine they wouldn't add on a test for syphilis, especially if you utter the magic words "sexually active"....check with the phlebotomist/nurse just to make sure they draw the right-colored JIC tube.

I see no problem with asking for an additional test... its a good thing to have a friend of mine has hiv... who knows what other nasties he's got but, he is now locked up in a mental institution with half his brain eaten away from syphilis... theres 3 main stages of the disease... he waited too late to be treated then it became non-treatable.

I get tested routinely during my 3 month visits (well now I've been moved to the 6 month visit plan, but will still get tested). It still amazes that I got bit by HIV but never got any other STD so far (knock on wood). Like others have said, it's better to know now while early to avoid it lingering and causing complications.

Logged

"Get your medical advice from Doctors or medical professionals who you trust and know your history."

"Beware of the fortune teller doom and gloomers who seek to bring you down and are only looking for company, purpose and validation - not your best physical/mental interests."

"You know you all are saying that this is incurable. When the real thing you should be saying is it's not curable at the present time' because as we know, the great strides we've made in medicine." - Elizabeth Edwards

I went today (I was a bit late - bad me). I got my fav nurse Caesar. My veins are deep and nobody can ever get them so they take it from my hand but he never leaves a bruise.

Regarding the Syph test, I asked him to add it on and he said that everytime I go for my bloodwork they do a full STD panel...who knew? He said they do this because I am a "sexually active young man in NYC". I asked him "are you calling me a slut?" and he said "yes" with a smile.

I like my doctor's office

Now it is a waiting game till next week with the numbers...fingers crossed.